Spending time with family and friends during the holidays is what warms the heart. However, many people spend this time remembering those they have lost. Many of those loved ones were in America’s armed forces, and what better way to truly embrace the seasonal spirit than to honor the heroes through Wreaths Across Amierica (WAA) who gave up their lives so Americans could continue to live in peace and harmony. “For my family, sharing in the events organized by WAA is not only about paying our respects to the legacy fallen service members, it’s also about carrying that legacy forward through my children in helping them understand all that has been sacrificed for the freedoms we have and enjoy,” Tom Saumweber, Ecolab District Manager who volunteered in Norwood last year. Norwood is paying tribute to those veterans for a third year with Wreaths Across America, a national movement to honor those who are often forgotten. The mission is to REMEMBER fallen U.S. Veterans, HONOR those who serve, and TEACH your children the value of freedom by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies with Arlington National Cemetery. More than 1,600 locations in all 50 U.S. states participate. Norwood donations have increased each year and local coordinator Andrea Reed is turning to the local community again to assist with funding to place wreaths of local service men and women’s graves at Highland and Old Parish Cemeteries. In past years, there was a public ceremony for the dedication, however, due to COVID restrictions, participation unfortunately is limited. With these constraints, the focus of this year’s event is donations. Last year, 195 wreaths were delivered; 45 were donated by Ecolab (local coordinator Andrea Reed’s employer), 35 were donated by Grace Baptist Church, and 115 were generous donations! “We are going to try to live stream the event to include those who would have loved to volunteer so that they are able to participate at home, if they choose,” Reed said. “The Colonial Pipers played bagpipes to start and end the event and John Mahoney (Boston Symphony Orchestra) played taps. The whole event was impactful and moving and we are inviting them to play again this year.” At the time of this writing, 19 wreaths have been donated and more are needed for the Dec. 19th ceremony. This program thrives on generous donations. Handmade wreaths are $15, $30 for two, $75 for three, or $150 for ten wreaths. To sponsor a wreath, visit www. wreathsacrossamerica.org, click on the red box that says sponsor wreaths, scroll to the bottom and choose monthly sponsorship, in honor or memory of, or you can donate to a specific gravesite. According to Reed, in addition to the generosity of Norwood residents, there are others whose efforts contribute greatly to the success of this event. “I partner with Mark Ryan (DPW Director - Town of Norwood), Paul Ranalli (Cemetery Foreman), and Ted Mulvehill (Veterans Director - Town of Norwood),” Reed said. “They are amazing with all of their help and support.” For more information or to donate, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org